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Embark on an extraordinary memoir that chronicles the remarkable odyssey of a man determined to transcend adversity, conquer racial prejudice, and fulfil his dream of becoming a Chartered Engineer. This captivating narrative traces a history that stretches back to the 1840s when his forefathers, descendants of indentured laborers from India, were brought to toil in the sugar cane fields of a British colony after the abolition of slavery. From this rich tapestry of ancestry to the present day in England, the author's life unfolds as a testament to resilience.
Spanning continents and centuries, this memoir offers a poignant glimpse into the life of a young boy growing up on a British island colony in the mid-twentieth century. It vividly contrasts the stark realities of a tropical upbringing with the challenges of adapting to life in a temperate climate, from fog and snow to relentless drizzling rain. The simple act of donning thick clothing becomes a novel experience, as does huddling by a Valor paraffin stove in a quest for warmth and cocooning beneath scratchy wool blankets.
As the narrative unfolds, you'll witness the profound transformation of a penniless immigrant who, against all odds, blossoms into a prosperous family man. His journey is a testament to unwavering determination, resilience, and a remarkable integration into British society, providing an intimate and insightful perspective on the trials and triumphs of one man's quest for excellence.
About the author
Harris Latchu was born in a small riverside village, Trinidad West Indies. At the age of five, the family was relocated to the town of Chaguanas on the west side of Trinidad where he completed his schooling. After gaining his Cambridge certificate and having passed the civil service exam, he became a customs officer at the age of eighteen. However, to fulfil his ambition to become an electronic chartered engineer he decided to come to England at the age of twenty on the assumption that university education was available to all commonwealth citizens. Little did he know that one had to be resident in the UK for three years before he could apply for a University Grant, which is where this saga begins.
